Moyes facing fight for Modric as Madrid want United target to stay and babysit Bale

David Moyes could be heading for more transfer frustration after it emerged that Real Madrid want Manchester United target Luka Modric to act as minder for Gareth Bale.

Former Tottenham midfielder Modric figures prominently on Moyes's wanted list and is likely to attract a bid from the United manager, should he finally be forced to abandon his pursuit of Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas.

It would take something approaching the
£33million Real paid for Modric to prise him way but a bigger stumbling
block for the Barclays Premier League champions could be the Spanish club's reluctance to sell a player they feel
could help Bale settle in to new surroundings.

Scroll down for video

Target: Manchester United want to bring Luke Modric (left) back to the Barclays Premier League

As Bernabeu bosses continue their onerous task of trying to find some common ground with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy over a fee for Bale, they are beginning to think ahead and devise ways of ensuring the quietly-spoken forward hits the ground running as a Real player.

Mindful of the intense media scrutiny
he would have to contend with, in foreign surroundings, they feel the
presence of a familiar, friendly face, such as his former Tottenham
team-mate, would increase the chances of a successful transition.

United's
hopes of bringing ex-Arsenal skipper Fabregas back to the Premier League are continuing to fade and Modric is next in line on a
list of candidates they feel can add creativity to a workmanlike
midfield that lacked flair last season.

But Moyes, who has been frustrated at every turn in his transfer
dealings so far this summer, may have to be at his most persuasive to
talk Real into doing business.

Key role: Modric has been picked out as the man to help Real target Gareth Bale settle into life at the Bernabeu